How Many Yatris Have Undertaken the Amarnath Yatra in 9 Days?

Srinagar, July 11 (NationPress) In the span of 9 days since its commencement on July 3, approximately 1.63 lakh Yatris have successfully completed the Amarnath Yatra. On Saturday, an additional group of 6,639 pilgrims departed for Kashmir from Jammu.

Officials confirmed that since the initiation of the Yatra on July 3, around 1.63 lakh pilgrims have experienced ‘darshan’ at the sacred cave shrine.

“Another group of 6,639 Yatris left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas today in two escorted convoys,” stated officials.

The first escorted convoy, consisting of 116 vehicles and carrying 2,337 Yatris, set out at 2.50 A.M. for the Baltal base camp, while the second convoy, comprising 161 vehicles and 4,302 Yatris, departed at 3.55 A.M. for the Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp.

The Bhumi Pujan of the ‘Chhari Mubarak’ (Lord Shiva’s Holy Mace) took place in Pahalgam on Thursday.

A group of sadhus, led by Mahant Swami Deependra Giri, the custodian of the Chhari Mubarak, transported the mace from the Dashnami Akhara Building in Srinagar to Pahalgam.

In Pahalgam, the Chhari Mubarak was taken to the Gauri Shankar temple for the Bhumi Pujan ceremony.

The Chhari Mubarak is scheduled to arrive at the sacred cave shrine on August 9, marking the official conclusion of the Yatra.

This year, extensive multi-layered security measures have been implemented for the Amarnath Yatra, particularly following the tragic attack on April 22, where 26 civilians were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam.

To enhance security, an additional 180 companies of CAPFs have been deployed, supplementing the existing forces of the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, and local police.

Furthermore, the Army has initiated 'Operation SHIVA 2025', deploying over 8,500 troops alongside advanced surveillance and combat technologies.

This large-scale operation is coordinated with civil administration and CAPFs to establish a comprehensive security grid along both Baltal and Pahalgam routes.

As part of the extensive security deployment, a specialized counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) grid featuring more than 50 C-UAS and EW (Electronic Warfare) systems has been set up to mitigate drone threats.

“Live surveillance using UAVs (drones) and PTZ camera feeds is actively monitoring the Yatra convoys and the holy cave. Engineering task forces have been mobilized for infrastructure improvements including bridge construction, track widening, and landslide prevention.

The operation also includes over 150 doctors and paramedics, two Advanced Dressing Stations, nine Medical Aid Posts, a 100-bed hospital, and 26 oxygen booths supported by 2 lakh litres of oxygen. Additionally, Signal companies, EME technical detachments, and Bomb Detection & Disposal Squads are also in place.

All transit camps along the routes to the two base camps and the entire pathway from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu to the cave shrine are secured by security forces.

This year, the Yatra commenced on July 3 and will continue for 38 days, concluding on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.

Yatris can access the holy cave shrine located 3888 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas via the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route.

Those taking the Pahalgam route traverse through Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni, covering a distance of 46 km on foot over a span of four days.

Conversely, those opting for the Baltal route trek 14 km to reach the cave shrine and return to the base camp the same day after completing the Yatra.

This year, no helicopter services are available for Yatris due to security concerns.

The cave shrine is home to a unique ice stalagmite structure that fluctuates with the lunar phases. Devotees believe that this ice formation symbolizes the divine powers of Lord Shiva.

The Amarnath Yatra is regarded as one of the most sacred religious pilgrimages for Hindu devotees, as legend has it that Lord Shiva revealed the secrets of eternal life and immortality to Mata Parvati within this cave.